Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Merging socio-cultural and economic requirements in West Indian Manatee’s habitat management: A holistic approach

Abstract

The West Indian manatees are considered a sentinel species occupying a unique niche in tropical and sub-tropical waters. The West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus) roams in fresh, marine or salt waters throughout Florida, the Greater Antilles, Central America, and South America. Manatee habitat and populations have plummeted over the last two hundred years due primarily to anthropogenic stressors (habitat loss, hunting and pollution). The aim is to gather in-depth overview of the ecological management objectives in different regions based on the anthropogenic threats, and possible management techniques that addresses aspects of societal, economic and biodiversity management. By comparing the Floridian population with the Belizean populations of manatees, the researcher reviewed the similarities and differences to gain substantial awareness of the threats through socio-cultural, and economical inputs between the different regions. Additional literature research was utilized to see if the three component demands could be met while maintaining habitat preservation. My argument concludes that management plans that incorporates societal, economic and ecological management techniques can have a longer-lasting impact on positive habitat preservation.